An adult cycling in the rain is pedalling, so they’re warm. The child sitting behind doesn’t move: it takes the rain, the headwind and the cold, with nothing to do to warm up. That’s why what’s enough for the parent is never enough for the child.
The three solutions
1. The rain suit or poncho
It’s the most common reflex. It works, but:
- you have to put it on a child in a hurry, often over the coat, every morning;
- the face and hands stay exposed to the cold wind;
- a loose poncho can get caught in the rear wheel. For cycling, you need a model designed for it, short at the back.
2. The cape that attaches to the seat
A flexible cover stretched over the seat. Cheap, easy to store. On the other hand, the child sits in the dark, sees nothing, and many children refuse it after two rides.
3. The full enclosure with roof and clear window
A structure that stays on the seat, with a rigid roof and a clear cover that closes at the front. The child sees the street; the parent sees them in the mirror or by turning round. It’s the most expensive and bulkiest solution, but the only one that blocks both rain and headwind.
What to check before buying
- Compatibility with your seat. Not all rear seats have the same backrest shape or the same fixing points. Ask for confirmation with the exact make and model.
- The child’s visibility. An opaque cover means a bored child who protests.
- Wind exposure. A rigid roof acts like a sail sideways. On a light bike in a crosswind, you feel it.
- Your own visibility. Nothing should hide your rear light or your reflector.
- Storage. If taking it off takes ten minutes, the kit stays on the bike all year: check it also stands up to the sun.
And safety?
In France, a helmet remains compulsory for the child up to age 12, even under a cover. Check that the height under the roof leaves room for the helmet: it’s the most common mistake.
Think about the feet too: they often stick out of the seat and are the first to get wet. Short boots solve the problem better than any cover.
In summary
For short, occasional trips, a rain suit is enough. For school every morning from October to March, the enclosure with a clear window is the only one that lasts, because it’s the only one the child accepts.
See our rain ponchos and the collection for use on a bike.